Meningococcal Vaccine

(MCV4; MPSV4; Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines)

by
Krisha McCoy, MS

What Is Meningococcal Disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by an infection that affects the meninges. The meninges is the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial infection of the meninges, called
bacterial meningitis, can cause death within hours. This bacteria can also cause infections in the blood.

The disease is most common in:

Infants aged less than 1 year old

People aged 16-21 years old

People with certain medical conditions

Community settings where large groups of people gather, such as college dorms or military bases

About 1,200 people in the US develop the disease each year. Approximately 10%-15% of these people die. Another 11%-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have nervous system problems, or suffer
seizures
or
strokes.

Symptoms of meningitis include:

High fever

Headache

Very stiff, sore neck

Nausea

Vomiting

Sensitivity to bright lights

Sleepiness

Mental confusion

Symptoms in newborn and infants can be hard to notice. These may include:

Routine Vaccination

The MCV4 vaccine is routinely given to children aged 11-12 years old with a booster dose given at age 16 years. It can also be given to children with high-risk conditions as early as 2 months of age.

Three doses are given to teens (11-18 years old) who have HIV:

Two doses given 2 months apart at 11 or 12 years old

Booster dose at age 16

Teens who receive the vaccine late follow this schedule:

If the first dose is given between 13-15 years old, the booster dose is given between 16-18 years old.

If the first dose is given after 16 years old, then the booster dose is not needed.

Vaccination for People at Increased Risk

The following groups of people need to be vaccinated because they have an increased risk of meningitis:

College freshmen who live in dorms

People who work in labs who may be exposed to meningococcal bacteria

Military personnel

People who travel to or live in areas where meningococcal disease is common

People who have problems with spleen function or have had their spleen removed

People who have a weakened immune system

People who have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak

Young children aged 9-23 months and others who have certain conditions need to be given 2 doses in order to be fully protected.

People who are at high risk will need a booster dose every 5 years.

In addition, teens and young adults (aged 16-23 years old) may also be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, preferably at 16-18 years of age. Two or three doses are needed depending on the particular vaccine used.

Meningococcal vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/index.html. Updated March 24, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017.

Meningococcal vaccination: What everyone should know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html. Updated May 19, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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